We mourn together.
This is not an incident isolated to a specific area. Everyone who believes in what these men and women go out to do every day, each of us with a friend, loved one, spouse and neighbor who serves and protects; we feel the same sadness too. Whether you lived in Virginia or know a police officer or simply stand with law enforcement, in some way, we are all connected to each of these tragedies.
I don't remember when we stopped caring about the people who do a job that few can. Maybe I missed how things have become or the way issues and politics and causes fueled by celebrities have divided us. Surely I wasn't paying attention when it became mainstream to declare a war on authority, disrespect authority and run wild with so little regard for one another. To me certain people deserve respect because they have earned it but in a world full of entitlement it seems that few feel the same.
As someone who grew up just minutes from where the events of Saturday night unfolded, I'm connected. And angry. And fed up. But mostly, tonight, I'm sad for a family and a department and a society which has turned into something that no longer stands for what is right.
We mourn together.
